CBS announces SEC football opener

It was an easy first choice for CBS.

The network, which just signed a massive 15-year contract with the SEC, will open its 2009 broadcast schedule with Tennessee visiting defending national champion Florida on Sept. 19.

The game — Lane Kiffin’s first trip to The Swamp as Vols head coach — starts at 3:30 p.m.

In the new contact, CBS gets the right to pick the best SEC football game every week of the regular season. Previously, ESPN got first choice a few times.

CBS also will air SEC doubleheaders on Oct. 10 (3:30 p.m and 8 p.m.) and Nov. 14 (noon and 3:30 p.m.), Alabama-Auburn on Friday, Nov. 27, and the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 5.

CBS will announce its “Games of the Week” six to 12 days in advance.